Electrical generation apparatus

ABSTRACT

Electrical generation apparatus characterized in that the apparatus incorporates a rotating member comprising a rectangular prism, preferably having a base in the form of an equilateral triangle, which is rotated about an axis extending substantially through its center of gravity. In certain embodiments of the invention, the aforesaid axis is parallel to an applied field of force, either electrostatic or magnetic, through which the member passes as it rotates, the axis being at the edge of the field.

. Imris United States Patent [4 1 Jan. 25, 1972 -[52] U.S. CI

[54] ELECTRICAL GENERATION APPARATUS [72] Inventor: Paul Imris, West Shore Apts., Apt. 224- West'Walk, West Haven,Conn. 06515 [22] Filed: June 24, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 49,387

A Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. 7 No. 703,510, Jan. 22,

1968, abandoned.

...3l0/261, 310/269 [51] Int. Cl. ..H02k 1/24 [58] Field ofSearch ..3l0/1 l l, 261, 269, 264, 265,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,404,331 7/1946 Werner ..-..310/46 Werner ..310/46 2,401,195 5/1946 Morrill ..336/l35 X 2,719,930 10/1955 Lehde ..3lO/1ll 2,667,615 1/1954 Brown ..310/l11 UX Primary ExaminerD, F Duggan Attorney-Brown, Murray, Flick & Peckham 57 ABSTRACT Electrical generation apparatus characterized in that the apparatus incorporates a rotating member comprising a rectangular prism, preferably having a base in the form of an equilateral triangle, which is rotated about an axis extending substantially through its center of gravity. In certain embodiments of the invention, the aforesaid axis is parallel to an'applied field of force, either electrostatic or magnetic, through which the member passes as it rotates, the axis being at the edge of the field.

3 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures WEN-TED mam sum 3 or 3 IN VEIVTOR PAUL "MIR/S Attorney;

'1 I ELECTRICAL GENERATION APPARATUS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is, of course, well known that an electrical current may be generated by passing a conductor through a magnetic field. There is the familiar right-hand rule, in accordance with which, when the thumb and the first two fingers of the righthand are extended in mutually perpendicular directions, and the index finger is pointed in the direction of the magnetic flux and the thumb in the direction of the motion of the conductor, the middle finger points in the direction of the induced current.

It is known, moreover, to form a coil of a number of turns of wire, place the coil within a magnetic field, and cause the coil to turn about a shaft provided with suitable sliprings having as-' sociated brushes by means of which the current generated may be withdrawn. The shaft is caused to rotate by means of a suitable prime mover, such as a steam turbine.

There is also known in elementary physics the phenomenon of the motor effect. A conductor of current, when placed in a magnetic field, experiences a force that is proportional to the intensity of the magnetic field and the current in the'conductor. The direction of this force is determined by the familiar left-hand rule. If the thumb and the first two fingers of the lefthand are extended in mutually perpendicular directions and the index finger is pointed in the direction of the magnetic flux and the middle finger in the direction of the current in the conductor, the thumb points in the direction of the force upon the conductor. In known means for generating alternating electrical current, all of which operate substantially upon the principle of a coil rotating within a magnetic field, the abovementioned motor effect yields a torque that opposes the torque imposed upon the coil by the prime mover. This torque, in order to be overcome, requires an expenditure of energy to rotate the coil. Needless to say, it is highly desirable to provide a means whereby the input energy to a generator can be minimized for a given output power.

SUMMARY or THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, means are provided for generating electrical current in which the energy input to the generator can be reduced over known generators for a given output power. This is accomplished in accordance with one embodiment of the invention by wrapping a conductor about a rotor member substantially in the form of an equilateral triangle, with the rotor being mounted on a shaft that passes through the center of gravity of the rotor and runs parallel to the lines of force of a substantially uniform magnetic field, at the edge thereof. The shaft is provided with suitable sliprings having associated brushes, through which the generated current may be withdrawn and used. As a result of the geometry of the generator, the energy required to rotate the rotor can be reduced for a given output power. In one embodiment of the invention shown herein, the field of force comprises a magnetic field; whereas in another embodiment, the field of force comprises an electrostatic field.

In still another embodiment of the invention, equilateral triangles or the like are utilized to generate electrical energy by utilizing the gravitational force of the earth.

The above and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which:

FIG. I is a schematic diagram used in explaining the invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical elevational view, partly schematic, of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2;-

FIG. 4 is a vertical elevational view, partly schematic of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view taken along line V-V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view, partly in section, of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view, partly schematic of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view, partly schematic, of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a view taken along line XIIXII of FIG. 10.

With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown in solid lines 2 an equilateral triangle 4,

' which has a center of gravity 6. Passing through the center of gravity 6 and parallel to one of the lines 2 forming a side of the triangle 4 is a broken line 8, which divides the triangle 4 into two areas 10 and 12. From considerations of geometry, it will be appreciated that the area 10 comprises four-ninths and the area 12 comprises five-ninths of the total area of the triangle 4.

If the triangle 4 is placed in a field of force such that one of the areas 10, 12 is within the field of force and the other is outside of it, and the triangle 4 is caused to revolve about its axis passing perpendicularly through its center of gravity 6, and with, as indicated above, the boundary of the field of force passing along the broken line 8, the proportion of the triangle 4 within the field of force at any given moment changes, varying sinusoidally between a maximum, when the area 12 is within the field to a minimum, when the area 10 is within the field. This sinusoidal variation occurs three times in one complete revolution of the triangle 4. Triangles such as those shown in FIG. I are employed in the apparatus of the invention to achieve the improved power generating capabilities of the invention.

On example of apparatus in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. A magnetic field is providedby means of a magnet 22. This may be either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Near the poles 24, 26 of the magnet 22 are suitable mountings 28, 30 for a shaft 32. Mounted on the shaft 32 is a rotor 34. As seen in FIG. 3, the shaft 32 passes substantially through the centroid or. center of gravity of the rotor 34. The rotor 34 may be constructed of any suitable paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material. Also mounted on the shaft 32 are sliprings 36, 38 having associated brushes 40, 42, respectively. Leads 44, 46 connect the sliprings 36, 38, respectively, to a winding 48 about the exterior of the rotor 34. Leads 50, 52 withdraw current from the brushes 40, 42.

Also connected to the shaft 32 is a motor 54, which may be provided with power through leads 56 from a power source indicated at 58. Of course, other means may be provided to rotate the shaft 32.

The effect of rotating the shaft and rotor 34 is that lines of magnetic force are cut by the winding 48 on the rotor 34. Furthermore, the power required to rotate shaft 32 and rotor 34 is considerably reduced to a given output power from leads 50 and 52 over conventional generating apparatus. The reason for this is rather complex and perhaps not altogether understood; however the fact of the matter is that the effect does occur.

With reference now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, there is schematically illustrated a second embodiment of the invention. Once again, a magnetic 'filed is used and an electrical current is generated by cutting the lines of magnetic flux. The apparatus comprises a magnet 60 having a north pole 62 and a south pole 64. Mounted by suitable means, not shown, near one of the poles 62,64 is a winding 66, best seen in FIG. 5, which is effectively in the form of a pair of semicircles 68 and 70. Indicated schematically at 72 are terminals of the windings 66. Mounted for rotation on a shaft 74 is a triangular member 76, which may be of soft iron. The shaft 74 is caused to rotate by suitable means, not shown, with the result that magnetic lines of force are transmitted through the member 76, and the numbers of lines of magnetic force cut by the two halves 68, 70 of the winding 66 are thus caused to vary as time passes, causing the generation of an alternating flow of current across the terminals 72.

Those skilled in the art will perceive that apparatus of this kind is susceptible of numerous modifications or variations, such as having the halves 68, 70 of the winding 66 provided with separate terminals, having the windings 66 rotate with respect to the magnet 60 and member 76 (which would then be stationary), providing between the member 76 and the pole 64 a second winding similar to winding 66 or using in place of a ferromagnetic material such as soft iron a magnetically shielding material such as copper. In this event, poles 62, 64 will preferably be located rather close together. A permanent magnet or an electromagnet may be used for the magnet 60, or the member 76 may be a magnet and the member 60 may be of soft iron. So long as there is a magnetic circuit setting up a field with an appropriate boundary, the invention may be practiced.

Attention is now directed-to FIGS. 7 and 8 which discloses yet another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, energy is derived from an electrostatic field. Electrons are caused to move cyclically back and forth between those two locations, as a result of the influence of a pair of rotating dielectric members in the shape of equilateral triangular prisms. The apparatus of this embodiment comprises a pair of plates 80, 82 generally circular and made of metal. These are held in spaced parallel relationship by any suitable means, such as a collar 84 of plastic or other suitable insulating material. The semicircular metal plates 86, 88 are mounted between and parallel to the plates 80, 82. Passing centrally through the plates 80, 82 is a shaft 90 joumaledin suitable material or the bearings 92, 94 are insulated. Mounted on the shaft 90 are members 98 and 100, each in the form of an equilateral triangular prism and made of suitable dielectric material. As can be seen in FIG. 8, in which the electrical connections hereinafter described have been omitted in the interest of clarity, the members 98and 100 are offset with respect to each other by 60. i

A battery 102 of other suitable direct current source is connected by leads 104 and 106 to the plates 80, 82, respectively. Lead' 104 includes a switch 108. The collar 84 contains openings 110, 112 to permit the passage of leads 114, 116 which are connected, respectively, to the plates 86, 88 and at their other ends to a rectifier 118 having output lines 120 and 121 leading to terminals 122.

The apparatus described above operates as follows: The switch 108 is closed to cause the battery 102 to charge the plates 80, 82 and create an electrostatic field therebetween. The switch 108 may then be reopened. Then, the wheel 96 is rotated, causing the members 98, 100 to rotate in the spaces between the exterior plates 80, 82 and the interior semicircular plates 86, 88. As will be quickly appreciated, the change in area of dielectric between, for example, the plate 80 and the plate 86 will cause changes in capacitance that generate an electric current in the lead 114, and there will be a similar effect in the lead 116. The space between the plate 80 and plate 86 contains a maximum of dielectric at the time that the space between the plate 88 and the plate 82 also contains a maximum of dielectric. In reaching this state, the members 98, 100 have turned through an angle of 60, coming from a location in which the amount of dielectric was at a minimum, as was the capacitance of the condenser having plates 80 and 86 and the condenser having plates 88 and 82. A low capacitance means that a given charge generates a high voltage. Thus, in making this turn of 60, the voltage on leads 114 and 116 has decreased. Electrons flow therefrom into the plates 86 and 88,

having been drawn from the lead 120. At the same time, electrons-have traveled in the lead 121 toward the terminal 122.

During the next 60 of revolution of the members 98, the reverse effect is obtained. The capacitance of the condenser formed by the plates 80 and 86, on the one hand, and by the plates 88 and 82 on the other hand, is being decreased so that electrons leave the plates 86, 88 and travel through the leads 114 and 116, being supplied to the lead 121. Thus, a load connected across the terminals 122 receives a pulsating direct current.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 9 which illustrates the influence of a member in the form of an equilateral triangular prism upon a liquid in a gravitational field. FIG. 9 shows schematically a tank 124 containing water or mercury to a level L. Brackets 126 within the tank provide support for a shaft 128, upon which is mounted a member in the form of an equilateral triangular prism. The shaft 128 passes through the centroids of the faces of the equilateral triangles forming the sides of the member 130. As the member 130 revolves, it moves to a position indicated by' the dash-dot lines 132. Liquid is displaced into a channel member 134 having a slight slope, exaggerated in FIG. 9 for clarity. An opening 136 is provided in one wall of the tank 124 so that liquid may be admitted to and received from the channel 134. Mounted adjacent to the channel 134 is a paddle wheel 138 or other suitable device for deriving energy from the passage of liquid in the channel 134. The paddle wheel 138 maybe used to generate electrical current as will be understood. Means, not shown, can be included to rotate the shaft 128. The apparatus of FIG. 9 is not preferred but serves merely to illustrate a principle.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, there is shown a further embodiment in which allowance is made for the change in the level of water or other liquid being manipulated by means of one or more members in the form of equilateral triangular prisms. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 10-12, inclusive, a gravitational field, such as that of the earth, acts upon a liquid such as water or mercury with the motion of the liquid being influenced by at least a pair of rotating members, each in the form of an equilateral triangular prism. The members are connected in torque-transmitting relationship with each other and are in contact with the liquid medium in separate compartments, whereby changes in the level of liquid in the two compartments cause corresponding, but opposite,-

torque effects on the rotating members so that, considered as a unit, the two rotating members act as a single member.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12, inclusive, there is a vessel 140 having a central barrier 142 which serves to divide the vessel 140 into two chambers 144 and 146. The barrier 142 has an opening 148 therein to permit liquid to pass back and forth between the chambers 144 and 146. Mounted on a shaft 152, which may be supported in any suitable way, as by bearings 154 and the walls of the vessel 140, is a pair of members 156 and 158, each in the shape of an equilateral triangular prism. The prisms 156 and 158 are'congruent, and the shaft 152 passes through the centroids or centers of gravity 160 and 162 of the adjacent and parallel bases of the prisms 156, 158. As can be seen from an examination of FIGS. 11 and 12, the apices of the prism 156 are offset 60 with respect to those of the prism 158. Thus, when the shaft 68 is caused to revolve by means, not shown, the flow of liquid back and forth through the passage or opening 148 takes place.

The apparatus further comprises a recess or opening 164 in which there is set a paddle wheel or the like 166 supported on a shaft 168 journaled in suitable bearings, not shown, and connected at the exterior of vessel 140 to the generator means indicated schematically at 170. Thus, as liquid passes back and forth through the passage 148, the paddle wheel 166 is turned and an alternating electrical current is generated by the generator means 170.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate how other means might be used to derive energy from the flow of liquid in the passage 148, and that an arrangement of equipment comprising a plurality of members such as the prisms 156, 158 all mounted on a common shaft, may be constructed. Yet another alternative is the possibility of having water contained in a pair of chambers, each in the shape of an equilateral triangular prism and having a passage connecting the centroids of adjacent faces of the prisms, with means for deriving energy from the flow of liquid through the passage being positioned therein, with similar results. 7

Although the invention has been shown in connection with certain specific embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and arrangement of parts may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. An electrical generator characterized in that the generator incorporates a rotating member comprising a triangular prism having bases in the fonn of equilateral triangles, said to the triangular cross section of the prism, said rotating member having a winding wound around its periphery between and over said bases to form an equilateral triangle, means for generating a magnetic field extending perpendicular to said winding, whereby the winding will cut the lines of force of said field as the member rotates, and the winding being disposed in a plane that is normal to the lines of force.

2. The generator of claim 1 wherein said field has a boundary extending along a line which passes through said axis of rotation and which divides said equilateral triangles into unequal parts.

3. The generator of claim 2 wherein one part comprises four-ninths and the other part comprises five-ninths of the total area of the triangle. 

1. An electrical generator characterized in that the generator incorporates a rotating member comprising a triangular prism having bases in the form of equilateral triangles, said prism rotating about an axis which passes through the centroids of the equilateral triangular bases and which is normal to the triangular cross section of the prism, said rotating member having a winding wound around its periphery between and over said bases to form an equilateral triangle, means for generating a magnetic field extending perpendicular to said winding, whereby the winding will cut the lines of force of said field as the member rotates, and the winding being disposed in a plane that is normal to the lines of force.
 2. The generator of claim 1 wherein said field has a boundary extending along a line which passes through said axis of rotation and which divides said equilateral triangles into unequal parts.
 3. The generator of claim 2 wherein one part comprises four-ninths and the other part comprises five-ninths of the total area of the triangle. 